Menu Toggle Menu Toggle
EN
  • HE
  • DE
  • RU
  • PL

Agia Solomoni Catacombs

A pistachio tree with rags and pieces of cloth tied sturdily around tiny twigs and branches guards the entrance to the Agia Solomoni Catacombs. It’s supposed to be sacred, with offerings for Agia Solomoni, the Jewish martyr who was forced to watch her seven sons being tortured and killed by Antiochus IV Epiphanes for refusing to eat pork.

Enter the Chapel of the Seven Sleepers

Considered sacred in Medieval times, the Agia Solomoni Catacombs still enveolop the casual visitor with a sense of mystery. Some people come here to tie pieces of cloth on the branches of the pistachio trees that shades the entrance of the chapel, while others are fascinated by the legend of the seven Maccabees, sons of Solomonia, the Jewish female martyr forced to obeserve the execution of her kin at the hands of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Agia Solomoni and her seven sons, Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, and Marcellus, were among the first people on Cyprus to embrace Christianity. Their courageous rejection of idolatry offended many of the beliefs of the Hellenistic period (166 BC). The tale behind the cave that serves as the alleged burial place of Agia Solomoni and the seven Maccabees is quite fascinating: seeking shelter from the Romans, Solomonia took refuge in this very cave, only to be walled-in alive. 200 years later, when locals reopened the cave, Solomonia walked out alive.

Legends aside, today Agia Solomoni Catacombs present an intriguing layout, with five rock-cut compartments. In one of them, a flowing spring makes room to even more myths and superstitions. Although the 12-century murals on the walls of the chapel bear the mark of time, their value is unquestionable. Among the scribbles on the plaster of the Agia Solomoni Catacombs you will also find some of the names of the 13th century crusaders.

Read More

Read Less

 
Agia Solomoni Catacombs
Agia Solomoni Catacombs
0
1
01
More Ancient Sites
Paphos Castle
Paphos Castle

Like any landmark steeped in history, the Medieval Castle of Paphos has a frantic past. Built as a Byzantine fort, it was systematically destroyed and rebuilt and served a variety of purposes. Today, it stands as the symbol of the city.

Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings

Despite the name of this ancient site of Paphos, there are no kings buried in the vast underground necropolis that stretches just under Nea Paphos (Aphrodite’s Sacred City). This site was used as a resting place for the local aristocracy from the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC) until the beginning of the 4th century AD.

Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park

The Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is the most important stop on the Aphrodite Cultural Route, which also includes Amathous, near Lemesos, and Kition, in Larnaka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 this is where you should start your journey of heritage discovery.

Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and the Pillar of St. Paul
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa and the Pillar of St. Paul

Modest and unassuming, this 13th century church still preserves beautiful mosaics on its floors. In the courtyard, St. Paul’s Pillar, a time-corroded marble column where the Apostle allegedly received five times forty lashes less one, is a thought-provoking marker.

Start Chevron Icon
End Chevron Icon
0
1
2
3
1
Book Direct And Save 10%
Join us today, it's easy and free
Start earning a discount with every booking you make via our official website!
Join Now For Free!
Subscribe to our newsletter and get our special offers and discounts delivered directly to your inbox

Booking Center
Tel. Num.: +357 26 000 119
Local Toll Free (Cyprus): 80 000 300
Secure Booking
powered by WebHotelier